Hospitality and the Holy Spirit

A fast-paced gate, encouraging smile, people-centered focus, and "GO FOR IT" attitude. . . it must be Denise Maiatico, Vice President Meyer Jabara Hotels. It would not be accurate to say one works for Denise. It is more appropriate to say each works with Denise. She is a hands-on leader who is skilled at setting the vision and empowering the team, but she is also willing to roll up her sleeves and wash dishes, turn rooms, set an event, and greet guests with the best of them. Denise graduated from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1991 with a Bachelor's Degree in Communication. She began more than twenty years ago with Meyer Jabara Hotels starting as Regional Sales Director for five properties. She was then promoted to the General Manager of the Courtyard Marriott Lehigh Valley/I-78. Her team opened the 138-room hotel and became a trusted hospitality provider with intense loyalty. Then, she took on the challenge of opening the state-of-the-art 124-room Hyatt Place Bethlehem and successfully positioned the property as a new hotel in historic Bethlehem. The guests continue to rave about the experience. Denise's Lehigh Valley roots serve her well now as the Vice President for the region and yet another property. Denise loves learning and teaching, and she enjoys her additional role as Adjunct Professor of Hospitality at Northampton Community College. She has received numerous sales and leadership awards from various community organizations, Meyer Jabara Hotels, and the brands Marriott, Hyatt, and Holiday Inn. Denise was recognized as a Lehigh Valley Woman of Influence in 2013, as the Outstanding Businesswoman of the Year by the Bethlehem Chamber in 2013, and under her leadership, MJ hotels of the Lehigh Valley was nominated as Corporate Citizen of the Year in 2015. Denise was recognized by Hotel Management as one of their "37 GMs to Watch" in 2018. She loves to serve, and she sits on several boards throughout the Lehigh Valley.